Menu
20/05/2008
Debate On Loss Of Police Support Officers
As revealed in detail last month on 4ni.co.uk, Northern Ireland won't be benefiting from 'Blunkett's Bobbies' - as the UK-wide initiative that puts uniformed support officers onto the streets to help regular police is known.
It was reported here on 1 April that the NI Policing Board's Comprehensive Spending Review to 'balance the budget' for 2008/2009 needed to address 'remaining shortfalls totalling £12.5m', and the Board "reluctantly agreed" that funding for the promised Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) was no longer available.
Now, NI Policing Board member, Dolores Kelly, the SDLP MLA, has insisted the 'news' would have a "severe impact on the delivery of first-class policing".
"There is a real need for the Policing Board and the PSNI to make clear that PCSOs are an integral part of the future of policing in the north, not an afterthought, or an optional add-on," she said.
"However, there should be no need to bring another business case forward to the British Government when the argument has already been won and the project has received approval.
"It does not seem proper for the government on one hand to approve the project, but yet, at the same time, fail to allocate adequate funding to make the scheme a reality."
In a statement, the Northern Ireland Office said the PSNI would spend £1.1bn this year and the next two years.
"Whilst this is a generous settlement when compared to other UK Police Forces, priorities will still need to be determined by the Policing Board on the most effective way to deploy these resources," it said.
In February 2006, the Policing Board agreed in principle to the recruitment of PCSOs.
Their key role is to provide a high visibility and reassurance to communities.
At that stage it was thought the necessary legislation would be in place by March 2007.
A senior police officer also 'launched ' the concept at the time, which has since then been put further and further back, before finally being shelved in April.
See: Community Support Officers Scrapped
See: PSNI to recruit 1,500 part-time officers
(BMcC)
It was reported here on 1 April that the NI Policing Board's Comprehensive Spending Review to 'balance the budget' for 2008/2009 needed to address 'remaining shortfalls totalling £12.5m', and the Board "reluctantly agreed" that funding for the promised Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) was no longer available.
Now, NI Policing Board member, Dolores Kelly, the SDLP MLA, has insisted the 'news' would have a "severe impact on the delivery of first-class policing".
"There is a real need for the Policing Board and the PSNI to make clear that PCSOs are an integral part of the future of policing in the north, not an afterthought, or an optional add-on," she said.
"However, there should be no need to bring another business case forward to the British Government when the argument has already been won and the project has received approval.
"It does not seem proper for the government on one hand to approve the project, but yet, at the same time, fail to allocate adequate funding to make the scheme a reality."
In a statement, the Northern Ireland Office said the PSNI would spend £1.1bn this year and the next two years.
"Whilst this is a generous settlement when compared to other UK Police Forces, priorities will still need to be determined by the Policing Board on the most effective way to deploy these resources," it said.
In February 2006, the Policing Board agreed in principle to the recruitment of PCSOs.
Their key role is to provide a high visibility and reassurance to communities.
At that stage it was thought the necessary legislation would be in place by March 2007.
A senior police officer also 'launched ' the concept at the time, which has since then been put further and further back, before finally being shelved in April.
See: Community Support Officers Scrapped
See: PSNI to recruit 1,500 part-time officers
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
20 November 2003
DPPs tour PSNI Training College
The Police Service College opened its doors to members of District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) today to showcase the vital police work carried out by a number of police departments.
DPPs tour PSNI Training College
The Police Service College opened its doors to members of District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) today to showcase the vital police work carried out by a number of police departments.
20 November 2002
Policing Board scores well but public lack information
A survey published on the public's perception of the Policing Board has shown that the Board have scored well, but that some of the recent high-profile changes made under the Patton recommendations have fared less well. The area of District Policing Partnerships in particular proved puzzling to those polled.
Policing Board scores well but public lack information
A survey published on the public's perception of the Policing Board has shown that the Board have scored well, but that some of the recent high-profile changes made under the Patton recommendations have fared less well. The area of District Policing Partnerships in particular proved puzzling to those polled.
20 November 2007
Policing Partnership Meeting Abandoned
Sinn Fein's vote last January to back the PSNI and to nominate party representatives for seats on the N I Policing Board and the associated District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) for the first time, has proved to be easier to agree than to action.
Policing Partnership Meeting Abandoned
Sinn Fein's vote last January to back the PSNI and to nominate party representatives for seats on the N I Policing Board and the associated District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) for the first time, has proved to be easier to agree than to action.
26 March 2004
PSNI performance figures released
Newly released PSNI performance figures have revealed that although the detection rate for violent crime has increased, it is still well below the target set by the Northern Ireland Policing Board. The targets are set in the Annual Policing Plan which the Board publishes every March.
PSNI performance figures released
Newly released PSNI performance figures have revealed that although the detection rate for violent crime has increased, it is still well below the target set by the Northern Ireland Policing Board. The targets are set in the Annual Policing Plan which the Board publishes every March.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
